Dominican Republic doesn’t have much money, health is always a concern, and poor in resources but there is one thing so rich and diverse here that they do have. Their Hospitality and Culture has proven itself over and over again since team mosaic arrived. This past week our team and I have learned so much about the DR, Arroyo Cano( our ministry town), and the people we serve here. This past friday we had the opportunity to hike 1 hour outside of Arroyo Cano to a small dusty village consisting of about 400 people. This town had no major paved roads, very run down, and very dusty. During this day of ministry we traveled from house to house meeting, greeting, and praying for families who we had never meet before. This ministry day so far has been the most rewarding for me because I got to look into the eyes of age, wisdom, and faith. For me it felt like the biggest honor I have had in my life to look these 15 or so families in the eyes, old and young members of the house and tell them who we were and that we were here for them and their community. All the houses we went to all had DIRT FLOORS and NO running water (basically just shacks of wood and metal sheeting). I remember this one older women named Madera and her story really hit me hard after our team got to visit with her. Living alone in here 80s here son lives in San Juan to work and she can’t because of a bad foot problem that limits here walking and ability to take care of herself. Madera’s eyes opened up when we asked if we could pray for here in the name of Christ and she said “yes please”. After that she feed us what little rice and beans she had prepared that day and gave me the biggest hug Ive had in a long time. Madera was old, her health not the best, her face full of wrinkles and age but her faith and spirit struck the pit of my heart. After I told her we would be back this up coming week to see her she smiled. God gives us people in our lives for a reason and Madera gave me the reason to look forward to continue meeting amazing people like her with life stories and passion I have never seen. We also got to visit an abandoned church we are going to help clean up and pray over before the first service starts in a few weeks. Its places like this and people like Madera that have made this World race thing pretty amazing so far and its only been the first week!!! Christ said we are his hands and feet and to heal, pray, and serve people like he did. This first encounter will be the first of many on the WORLD RACE and I feel so blessed to be here serving the people of the DR and know for sure the next 3 weeks will never be forgotten!!!God is LOVE and please consider helping me to reach my next support deadline April 1st. I only have 6500 left until I’m fully funded and need 2500 more by April. Thank you and PRAYER IS NEEDED ALWAYS!!!AMEN
